Internet of Things (IoT) systems will allow for cost savings, efficiencies and enhanced customer experience, and is expected to change the way people work, comparable with the changes brought about by mobile work systems and collaborative digital work environments, says networking multinational Aruba Networks Europe, Middle East and Africa VP Morten Illum.

The industrial and manufacturing industries are embracing IoT opportunities, and operational technology is being used with information technology (IT) to drive more efficient and effective processes, reduce costs and improve profitability.

“Big data is not a new concept, but the amount of data is growing faster than anticipated. Consequently, it makes sense to move some of the computing power required to process this amount of data to an Intelligent Edge.”

Intelligent Edge technologies connect and automate IoT systems, including mundane applications, such as IoT-enabled lighting to heating, to manufacturing processes and industrial systems.

IoT applications require a host of systems not only to connect and transmit data from mobile and IoT devices, but also perform various analytical processes to create the workplace, operational, brand and IT experiences expected, he says.

Intelligent Edge consists of three layers. The foundation layer is the infrastructure containing familiar technologies – local area network, wireless local area network and wide area network – and newer technologies like Bluetooth, low-energy sensors and converged edge systems.

In layer two, local area platform technologies – such as mobility platforms – manage the devices within the enterprise, while wide area platforms use universal IoT and connect the devices across a region.

The third layer requires a robust partnership ecosystem, which is necessary to develop the applications and services that deliver the experiences enterprises needed to make their digital workplaces operate optimally.